Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, Quebec feminist pioneer, dead at 91
CBC News | Posted: March 24, 2016 7:59 PM | Last Updated: March 25, 2016
The 1st woman elected to the National Assembly served under Liberal premiers Jean Lesage and Robert Bourassa
The first woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec and first female judge in Quebec, Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, has died. She was 91 years old.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard expressed his sadness for the loss and said Kirkland-Casgrain will be given special honours during her funeral.
"Ms. Kirkland-Casgrain showed great commitment to Quebec politics and law, as well furthering gender equality in the province," Couillard said.
"I would like to extend my sympathies to the family on behalf of Quebec."
Born in Palmer, Massachusetts, Kirkland-Casgrain attended McGill University for both her undergraduate degree and her law degree.
She was elected to Quebec's National Assembly – then known as the Legislative Assembly – in a byelection in 1961, replacing her father after his death in the riding of Jacques-Cartier.
Her historic win came more than 20 years after Quebec women received the right to vote in 1940. She would remain the only woman to sit in the legislature until her departure from politics in 1973.
She was also the first woman to be named to the Quebec cabinet, as she held several ministerial positions during her political career.
Kirkland-Casgrain resigned in 1973 to become a judge. She retired in 1991.